excessive lateness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessive lateness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is late beyond what is considered reasonable or acceptable. Example: "The meeting was scheduled for 9 AM, but due to his excessive lateness, we had to start without him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

No guaranteed shifts and with pay at the lowest end of the income scale (and usually docked for lateness or excessive toilet breaks).

The Guardian - Opinion

I apologize for my lateness, and he invites me in.

Vice

No lateness.

The Guardian - Sport

Lateness was not tolerated.

The New York Times

"Lateness is a sin.

The New Yorker

Their presence would coverhis lateness.

The New York Times - Books

Glitches and lateness are to be expected.

The New York Times

His transgressions were minor — lateness, mostly.

The New York Times - Sports

Uber is tired of your lateness.

The Guardian - Tech

"He will not tolerate lateness," says Cochrane.

The Guardian

Lateness came early to both, both dead in their fifties.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing "excessive lateness" in a professional setting, clearly define what constitutes "excessive" in terms of time and frequency to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "excessive lateness" without providing context. What one person considers excessive, another might see as normal. Be specific about the time frame or number of instances that constitute the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive lateness" functions as a noun phrase, where "excessive" modifies the noun "lateness". It describes a state of being late that exceeds an acceptable or expected limit. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excessive lateness" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe lateness that goes beyond what is considered acceptable. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, remember that the perception of "excessive" can be subjective. To avoid ambiguity, especially in professional settings, it's important to clearly define expectations. Consider alternatives like "extreme tardiness" or "unreasonable delay" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey. Although examples are limited, its correct usage is confirmed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme tardiness

Replaces "lateness" with "tardiness" and "excessive" with "extreme" maintaining a formal tone.

unreasonable delay

Shifts focus from being late to the act of delaying, using "unreasonable" to denote excessiveness.

chronic lateness

Indicates a habitual pattern of being late, rather than a single instance.

habitual tardiness

Similar to "chronic lateness", emphasizing a recurring pattern of being late.

inordinate delay

Uses "inordinate" to highlight the exceptional degree of lateness.

undue delay

Similar to "inordinate delay", focusing on the inappropriateness of the lateness.

excessive unpunctuality

Replaces "lateness" with its antonym "unpunctuality".

extreme unpunctuality

Like with "excessive unpunctuality", replaces "lateness" with its antonym and "excessive" with "extreme".

protracted delay

Focuses on the duration of the lateness, indicating it's extended.

considerable lateness

Uses "considerable" to emphasize the significant amount of lateness.

FAQs

How can I address "excessive lateness" in a professional context?

Clearly define expectations for punctuality, document instances of lateness, and address the issue privately with the individual, focusing on the impact of their lateness on the team or project. Consider using alternatives like "extreme tardiness" or "chronic lateness" depending on the situation.

What are some formal alternatives to "excessive lateness"?

Formal alternatives include "unreasonable delay", "inordinate delay", or "undue delay". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the delay itself or the act of being late.

Is "excessive lateness" the same as "chronic lateness"?

While related, they have slightly different nuances. "Excessive lateness" refers to an instance or degree of lateness that is beyond what's acceptable. "Chronic lateness" implies a recurring pattern of being late. Consider using "habitual tardiness" as well.

Can "excessive lateness" be subjective?

Yes, what constitutes "excessive" can vary based on context, culture, and individual expectations. It's important to establish clear guidelines to minimize subjectivity. Try to replace with a synonymous such as "considerable lateness" for greater transparency.